Dear All

I thought you might be interested to hear about a palm top 
computer by Hewlett Packard.  It has more or less a full Windows word
processing package and Excel, a sound card and will print via an infra
red port as long as the receiving printer has the same sort of port. 
It retails arounf 500-600 pounds plus VAT.  It is not yet able to
replace desk tops, I don't think but it might well be useful for
students who can argue the need for portability and a desktop. 
Transference of data to a desk top is via a cradle which is plugged
into the desktop.  It also opens up the possibility of some computer
support for those students who do not get DSA.  If we had a cradle in
our centre the students could download and print out material here. 
It might also be useful for field trips etc.  If only we had the money
it would be worth having them on a loan basis for students to borrow
for field trips or other short term portable use.

Apparently Toshiba are on the case as well with their Libretto, it is
1" larger all round than the HP Palmtop, Pent 75, 16Mb RAM, Colour
6.1" screen, 800Mb hard disk, Win95 but the price is 1495 + VAT Even
though it is larger than the HP I think the screens are still too
small for writing essays etc.

The HP was shown to us by one of the university suppliers, if you
would like further details you can contact him on: tel: 0116 251 1000
or Fax: 0116 251 3527 or mobile: 0802 754183 or  email:
[log in to unmask] and website: web: www.citygroup.co.uk

Nonetheless,  I would be interested in any comments from folk about
the feasibility of such a product for students.

Best wishes

Paula


Dr PB Dobrowolski
Welfare Officer for Students with Special Needs
Leicester Uni



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